Chairman's Blog

Chairman’s Blog - Season 4, Edition 5 (October 2025)

• 2025 is certainly moving forward at pace as it’s October already, the 10^th month of the year and the second of the four ‘Ber’ months.

• As I’ve said before, October is and a really nice month to visit La Quinta and great for outdoor activities and sports, with temperatures typically ranging from 21°C to 25°C, (70-77°F).

• As you will see below, there are lots of things to see and do throughout the month.

• With warm weather still prevailing, the latter half of the month will be busy, as we host two-weeks of school half term holidays.

• And the fun continues throughout with our excellent entertainment programme offering four different themed Monday night dinners; a full-moon/white party, a black & white party, an Aloha party and our season finale special Halloween Party featuring the fabulous Alex & Chloe.

• There will also be two Spooktacular kids Halloween glow parties on Wednesday the 22^nd and Wednesday the 29^th.

• By popular request we have extended our saxophonist, who will be providing cool poolside vibes on Wednesday 1^st, 8^th & 15^th from 4pm-6pm and finally Adrián’s ‘Sushi Friday’s’ will still be available each week.

• As we approach the final quarter of 2025, and contrary to what some members would have you believe, La Quinta has had a very successful year so far.

• Notwithstanding the distractions we are having, everyone has been working extremely hard to achieve this with revised staffing, enhanced sales and patronage in La Solana, increased income from rentals, excellent sales of new weeks, strong retention of members through private sales & transfers and finally the securing of substantial EU funding for the enhancement of sustainability at the club.

• Anyway, lets move on with Season 4 blog #5, the early autumnal October edition, with updates and information for the month of October 2025, about the people, activities and events happening in and around La Quinta, La Manga Club, and the Cartagena/Murcia regions. This, as always, is sent directly to your email inbox, but it is also accessible on our website too, see…Chairman's Blog (laquintaclub.com) Enjoy!

Updates from September 2025

• September remained very warm throughout the month with higher than normal temperatures being enjoyed across the region.

• Although quieter in September than the summer months, members and guests continued to enjoy our entertainment with external guests attending our events too.

• With daily highs often reaching the 30’s, my family and myself had a really good time at the club in the first two-weeks of the month and we would like to thank all the staff for all their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm in making it another fabulous visit.

• Understandably, although Monday night dinner numbers were not as high as the main holiday months of July & August, we still had over 300 attendees across the five events held in September.

• Pleasingly, we also continued to attract external guests to both our Monday night and Wednesday poolside activities and to La Solana itself, for breakfast’s & lunches with very positive feedback received for both the quality of our cuisine and the service we provide.

• On the 7th-8th September, Spain along with many other countries around he world witnessed the ‘Blood Moon’ as part of a total lunar eclipse.

• Created by the Moon passing through the Earth's shadow for 82-minutes the Moon appeared large with a spectacular reddish-orange hue.

• On Wednesday 24^th Los Miradores held their AGM in La Solana, with 62 people staying on for lunch afterwards. We also hosted a dinner dance for them on Friday 26^th for a total of 72 owners. I would like to give a big thank-you to Suzanne Pealing (the organiser), and to the Los Miradores community for choosing our venue.

• As part of the funding received from the EU, on the 25^th we had delivery and installation of the final appliances for the laundry, an industrial ironing/press. This means that our laundry facilities will now be state of the art, with all new eco-friendly and cost effective equipment.

• In addition and to ensure that we are acting in accordance with the European EAA and CRPD acts, you will also notice that all the villa keys have been replaced and now include tactile raised Braille lettering on the reverse of the keys. This was again paid for by the recently received EU funds.

Airport Buses from Corvera (RMU) Airport from 6^th November - Revised Routes

• Airport Buses have published their revised routes from Murcia International airport and now offer three different pick up & drop off locations at La Manga Club itself, starting from Thursday 6^th November 2025.

• These will be; the main entrance to LMC, the bus stop outside the Grand Hyatt and adjacent to the pharmacy/Repsol garage.

• The cost is a very reasonable €15.99 each way, see routes 17, 18 & 19 in the chart below and see: New| Airport Buses Routes for more information and to book your transfer.

A Reminder of the Forthcoming EU's Entry/Exit System (EES)

• On 12th October 2025, Spain along with many other countries that form part of the 'Schengen Area', will begin the phased rollout of EES at its external borders, requiring travellers from non-EU countries (like the UK), to provide fingerprints and a facial image at border crossings instead of having their passports stamped. 

• This new system aims to enhance border security and streamline travel by providing a digital record of entry and exit.  

• The EES is expected to be fully operational across all border points by April 10, 2026. 

Events and Activities for October 2025

• October is going to be a busy month with lots of events taking place.

• So here are some of our event posters showing all of our extensive October activities….Enjoy!

Last Chance to Visit the ‘The Voyages of Leonardo da Vinci’ Exhibition in Cartagena

• Ending on the 5^th October 2025, the exhibition is held at the Castillo de la Concepción in Cartagena.

• Bringing together over a hundred pieces that allow visitors to delve into the mind of one of the greatest creators in history.

• Visitors will learn that not only was he a painter, but also an engineer, anatomist, philosopher, architect, and true visionary.

• Reconstructions of designs such as a catapult, a revolving bridge, a flying machine, and a gear system for a bicycle, can be seen as well as replicas of his workshop, anatomical studies, measuring instruments, and representations of the Vitruvian Man and the golden ratio.

Fiestas de La Unión - 3^rd - 12^th October 2025

• This year, nearby La Union will celebrate ten days of music, tradition, popular foods and activities for all ages at the Plaza Joaquín Costa Fairgrounds.

• There will be a varied program of events, featuring top-level artists and activities for the whole family such as the La Unión Reggaetón Fest, the Remember Fest, the 40 Principales, the children's show Festival Kids Gelatina, a ‘Night of Humour’ with José Campoy and David Domínguez, as well as the concerts of La Banda de Ases, Tributo a Mocedades and Azúcar Moreno.

• On the 11^th there will be a parade of floats in front of the town hall.

• In addition, food such as the giant paella, the giant sandwich and the traditional Migas, will be available to sample, with a paella competition held on the 12^th.

• For further info see: azúcar moreno, los 40 principales and la noche remember stand out in the programming of the fiestas de la unión 2025 – murcia news

Cartagena Trail Festival - 8^th - 9^th October 2025

• Cartagena will host its first-ever Trail Running Festival, the I Trail Running Festival Cartagena, Costa Cálida, on the 8th-9th November.

• The event, supported by the Cartagena City Council, is for runners, hikers, and families, with activities for all ages.

• Starting on Saturday, 8th November there will be the - I Cross Trail El Portús, a 9.5 km course with a 200m climb that starts and finishes at Camping El Portús and a route that runs through Las Escarihuelas, Los Díaz, and Los Corteses.

• Both competitive runners and walkers are welcome and kids can join in too. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a medal. The day then finishes with a concert.

• Sunday, 9th November, features the VI Trail Sendero del Agua in Galifa. This is a tougher 16 km route with 800m of climb and is part of the Trail Tour FAMU 2025 and the I Liga Diamond Trail FAMU.

• There are shorter races for younger runners (9 km and 6 km) and also a non-competitive 9 km walk. 

• For more information and to register visit www.famu.es

• Hermosa (Beautiful) Fest - Trips Summer Club 10^th - 11^th October 2025

• This annual event will take place from noon until late on Friday 10^th October & on Saturday 11^th at Trips Summer Club, located near Cabo de Palos.

• Established as an unmissable event for music lovers in the Region of Murcia, it provides a weekend of music and fun attracting people from all over the country, thanks to its excellent musical line-up and its location near to the Mediterranean.

• Featuring a raft of artists such as including Rozalén, Álvaro de Luna, La Casa Azul, Ojete Calor, Repion, Los Zigarros and Travis Birds, there will be music for all tastes, from indie and pop to great disco classics.

• The Hermosa Fest is not just about music, it offers a complete experience that combines fun, relaxation and great food, in a unique environment.

• See: Hermosa Fest Tickets and Tour Dates for more info and tickets.

The San Javier Oktoberfest Returns - 10th -12th October 2025

• Love beer? Then you’ll love this!

• Nearby San Javier will host its 3-day Oktoberfest, from Friday 10^th to Sunday 12^th October 2025, at the Recinto Ferial de San Javier.

• The festival celebrates the traditional German event of beer, food, and music, which began in Munich over 200 years ago and has since spread worldwide. 

• Attendees can enjoy live music, traditional Bavarian food, and plenty of beer, all in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

• Dressing in Bavarian costume is actively encouraged, and there will be special surprises for those who take part, in-keeping with the festive tradition.

• The event is free but also supports a variety of charitable causes and its mix of tradition, music, and food has helped make it a highlight of the autumn calendar, attracting increasing numbers of people each year.

El Dia de la Hispanidad - 12th October 2025

• Don’t forget that it’s Spain's national holiday on the 12^th October 2025.

• A significant annual event that commemorates Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. 

25^th Anniversary Windsurfing Event - Los Alcázares 17^th - 19^th October 2025

• Watch an exciting 2-day event as windsurfers compete in a national ‘Surfari’ event.

• The Club Náutico, Mar Menor will be hosting the 2-day national ‘Surfari’ Campeonato de Murcia Los Alcázares (windsurfing competition) in Los Alcázares.

• The event will take place from 8am on Friday 17^th until 5pm on Sunday 19^th from the Club Náutico Mar Menor P.º de la Concha, s/n, 30710 Los Alcázares, Murcia (see: https://cnmarmenor.com/ & Surfari – Campeonato de Murcia Los Alcázares – Windsurfer Class for more information.

See the Pop Group - ‘Bad Manners’ in Murcia - 22^nd October 2025

• Bad Manners, the 70’s/80’s iconic British ‘Ska’, or ‘Two Tone’, band will be performing in Murcia as part of their 50^th anniversary tour, on Wednesday 22^nd October at 8pm.

• It is the second time they have played at the Beat Club Garage: Av. Miguel de Cervantes, 45, 30009 in Murcia.

• Famous for songs such as Special Brew, Lip up Fatty, Wooly Bully, Walking in the Sunshine, Can Can, Lorraine and My Girl Lollipop, it is set to be a fun, energetic and entertaining night.

• For more information and tickets see: BAD MANNERS | Venta Oficial de Entradas

Free Tour of the Old Hydroplane Base in Los Alcazarés - 25^th October 2025

• Here’s something for all aviation enthusiasts.

• A free guided tour of the old Hyrdoplane base in Los Alcazarés. is available on Saturday 25^th October 2025.

• If you can’t make it this month, there are also dates available on the 29^th November and 20^th December.

• Starting at 10am from the main entrance, it will last for around 90-minutes providing an interesting insight into the history of the airbase, it’s free but registration is required.

• Originally opened in 1916 the airbase was of strategic importance during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), and the second half of WWII.

• See: ! Murcia Today - October 25 Free Guided Tour Of The Old Hydroplane Air Base In Los Alcázares for more info or email cultura@losalcazares.es

The Kiev Ballet - Performing Sleeping Beauty in Cartagena - 30^th October 2025

• If you are looking for something a bit more cultured, on Thursday October 30^th Viktor Ishchuk's Kiev Ballet Company will be performing Sleeping Beauty at the Batel Auditorium and Convention Center in Cartagena.

• Starting at 9pm it’s a not to be missed event for all lovers of ballet.

• The Batel Center is located at Paseo Alfonso XII, S/N Cartagena, Spain.

• For tickets see: Kiev Ballet Cartagena Tickets

Cartagena’s 44^th Jazz Festival - 29^th October-16th November 2025

• For all jazz enthusiasts, from 29^th October to the 16^th November Cartagena's 44th Jazz Festival transforms the El Batel Auditorium into a jazz lover's dream.

• Starting on the opening night with a moving tribute to Paco de Lucía, delivered by Josémi Carmona, Chano Domínguez, Duquende, and Farra there follows a stellar line up of Jazz artists such as; Morgan (Nov 1) Kandace Springs (Nov 2), Paquito D'Rivera (Nov 7), Gustavo Santaolalla with Ronroco (Nov 8), Tigran Hamasyan (Nov 9), Dorantes & Moisés P. Sánchez (Nov 14), Stacey Kent (Nov 15) & Cécile McLorin Salvant (Nov 16).

• The festival is set to deliver a dazzling celebration of tradition and innovation, from legendary tributes to the freshest voices in jazz.

• See: 44 Cartagena Jazz Festival for tickets, schedule and more information.

Yoga at the Owners Clubhouse?

• On selected dates throughout October, DRU Yoga is being held at the La Manga Owners Clubhouse.

• The 1-hour classes are €10 per session, but booking is essential via Lynne Bell….lynnesamajiva@gmail.com

• See poster below for more info.

The Historic Murcian City of Lorca

• Located in Western Murcia, just over an hour's drive from La Quinta, the historic city of Lorca can be found.

• The municipality has a population of around 100,000 and is the second largest of the municipalities in Spain with an area of 1,675.21 km2 (646.80 sq mi).

• Famous for its large medieval fortress, the Lorca Castle, and its Baroque architecture it has been declared an historic and artistic site.

• The city offers a rich history, containing a number of archaeological sites with Jewish heritage, including a preserved synagogue.

• It also has a vibrant culture, especially during its Holy Week festivities, when the beautifully adorned blue & white brotherhoods parade in the streets.

• Visitors can also explore the old town, visit palaces, such as the Plaza de España (Spanish Square), and can enjoy the surrounding landscapes and fertile plains of the region.  

• Lorca Castle (Fortaleza del Sol), is a significant medieval fortress offering panoramic views and housing important archaeological finds, including a Jewish quarter and synagogue. 

• In the Old Town the streets are filled with historic buildings such as Baroque palaces like the Palacio de Guevara, and many beautiful plazas. 

• There are also numerous churches and convents from different eras, showcasing the city's significant Baroque heritage and at various archaeological sites, the remains from the Roman, Jewish, and Islamic periods, reflecting the diverse cultures that shaped the city can be found.

• The Museo Azul de la Semana Santa, is a museum dedicated to the city's famous Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions. 

• The city also hosts a weekly market that has a long history, dating back to the 15th century and if you are considering visiting soon, until the 9^th November a fabulous historical embroidery exhibition is being held at the MuBBla museum, featuring 46 items from across 121 years.

• Sadly Lorca has had its fair share of tragedies in the last 50-years.

• On October 19^th 1973, Lorca suffered a terrible flood that took more than 50 lives and on January 29^th 2005, an earthquake of 4.6 magnitude, caused damage especially to the structure of various buildings

• Then on 11^th May 2011 the town was seriously damaged by a magnitude 5.3 earthquake, killing at least nine people.

• See: Lorca : Official Murcia Region tourist site for more information about Lorca.

Discover Estrecho de la Arboleja - Nr Aledo

• Located close to the historic town of Aledo, on the southern slopes of Sierra Espuña, is the an impressive natural canyon known as the Estrecho de la Arboleja, a hidden gem in a more remote part of the Murcian Region.

• This natural area is a small canyon that has been formed over thousands of years by flowing water sculpting the limestone rock.

• Between ten and fifteen meters in height, there are numerous unique water features, spectacular limestone

• formations and small lagoons.

• There are also parking and picnic areas at the location; 30859 Aledo, Murcia.

• If visiting, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, take sun-cream and plenty of fluids.

The Gorgotón Fountain - Cieza

• Downstream from the Almadenes Hydroelectric Power Plant, in the middle of the Almadenes canyon, the warm waters have formed a pool of crystal clear water called the Fuente del Borbotón or Fuente del Gorgotón.

• A natural pool in the Vega Alta del Segura, it maintains a constant water temperature of 25ºC, that National Geographic describes as a wild jacuzzi and provides a unique thermal bathing experience.

• A 90-minute drive from La Quinta via the A30, it is well worth a visit.

The Enchanting Beaches of Playa Amarilla

• Playa Amarilla is located in the beautiful town of Águilas and is considered to be a natural treasure of the Costa Calida coastline.

• It is one of the most scenic beaches in Águilas with golden sands, clear waters and wonderful panoramic views.

• The beach itself is almost connected with the Isla del Fraile, situated 50m away and where the remains of an old fish salting factory can be found.

• The pristine transparent waters are perfect for snorkelling, but caution must be exercised as the currents can sometimes become strong. Flags will indicate if the water is safe.

• Parking is available, but the beach is only accessible by walking down some stone steps.

• See: Facebook for more information about Águilas.

Members Photographs 2025

• Thank you all once again for the great photos you have sent to us throughout last year. These are available to view on our ever growing members gallery, see the here: Members' photos (laquintaclub.com)

• But please do continue sending them in to us in 2025 from your visits to La Quinta….we really want to see more of your wonderful experiences, so keep ‘em coming!

• Just email them to Angel - and he will gladly add them all to our members gallery for you.

• We’ve already got a lot of great photos in the gallery, but we are looking forward to increasing them and to seeing your 2024/25 shared memories.

Also Please Don't Forget to:

• Check out our website where we have lots of other useful information particularly in the info+ section (visit +Info (laquintaclub.com).

• See our event planner (Events' calendar (laquintaclub.com) for activities taking place at the club.

• Use the members forum where you can swap, exchange, rent or sell weeks and share information, ideas, suggestions or just ask questions. If you haven't signed up yet, please visit: La Quinta at La Manga Club - Official Forum - Index (laquintaclub.com) to register.

• Visit, like and leave feedback or comments on our social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) and LinkedIn and read our articles in Murcia Today ,
  La Manga Life and the General Community magazines.
  
  

• So, there you go, yet another great month over and done with as we approach October and the start of autumn in Spain.

• It’s not like autumn in the UK though, as the weather, although cooling down, remains lovely and warm throughout the month.

• For those that enjoy sports, it’s perfect for walking or hiking, cycling, golf, tennis, padel and a host of other activities.

• October will also be a busy month for us, as families are back with the kids, because it is half-term in the latter half of the month.

• I am sure you will have a wonderful time here with us if you are visiting in October.

• There’s plenty to keep you occupied during the month, as we have four different themed Monday night events to enjoy; a full-moon/white party on the 6th, a black & white party on the 13th, an Aloha party on the 20^th and finally a season finale special Halloween themed party on the 27^th.

• For the little ones on the 22^nd and the 29^th, Verity will be hosting, two kids Halloween glow parties too...so lots to enjoy for everyone!!

• Lastly and I know I have mentioned it above, but please do continue to send in your holiday photos, so we can put them in our website photo gallery.

Best regards….Mark.